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Archaeological investigations at the Spring Creek site (34Ln-76), Lincoln County, Oklahoma

Michael B. Mayo
C4700.7 A669 No. 11 C. 1
Archaeological Investigations at the
SPRING CREEK SITE, (34Lry-76),
Lincoln County, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Archaeological Research Report No.11
1984
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT
THE SPRING CREEK SITE (34Ln-76)J
LINCOLN COUNTYJ OKLAHOMA
by
Michael B. Mayo
OKLAHOMA CONSERVATION COMMISSION
AAuRgCuHsAtE,OLO1G9I8C4AL RESEARCH REPORT NO. 11
2800 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73105
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT
THE SPRING CREEK SITE (34Ln-76)~
LINCOLN COUNTY~ OKLAHOMA
by
Michael B. Mayo
OKLAHOMA CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH REPORT NO. 11
August, 1984
2800 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73105
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project could not have been completed without the support and
assistance of a number of individuals. R.D. Atwater, the city manager
of Prague was most cooperative in providing necessary information and
assisted in obtaining access to the site. The field crew consisted of
Ken Ashworth, Carol Pontious, Crystal Roberts and Terry Steinacher during
the excavations in January. The April crew included Rusty Greaves, Donald
Motley and Vollie Motley. Further assistance in the field was provided
by Charles Wallis and Jane Dye. Don Wyckoff of the Oklahoma Archeological
Survey provided much needed assistance and guidance in the definition
and description of soil horizons at the site.
Processing of materials in the lab was conducted, in part, by Jane
Dye. Assistance in interpreting the chemical and mechanical analyses of
soil samples was provided by Don Wyckoff and Lois Albert. Ken Johnston
of the Oklahoma Geological Survey identified mineral tempering agents in
the pottery. The graphics were drawn by Mary Goodman and Peggy Flynn aided
in the processing of artifact photos. Various drafts of the report were
typed by Jane Dye, Lillian Muscanell, Janis Piper and Debbie Ludwick.
Helpful comments, suggestions and bits of information have been provided
by Shiela Bobalik-Savage, Richard Drass, Peggy Flynn, Chris Lintz, Larry
Neal, Rain Vehik, Charles Wallis and Don Wyckoff. A special note of
appreciation is extended to Charles Wallis who, besides helping in the
field, helped coordinate various aspects of the project and provided
considerable support and patience in the preparation of this report. To
all these people, my sincere thanks.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
LIST OF TABLES.
LIST OF FIGURES .
I INTRODUCTION.
iv
v
1
APrrcohjaeecotlogLioccaalle. Overview. 13
II EXCAVATION PROGRAM. 8
FPRSPaertraderoaitvjiotueciorcaeutrssgbroaGnpoIhanylv.seDsatta.iengsda.tiE.ox.ncsav.ation .S.t.r.ategies
8
10
12
25
27
III CULTURAL REMAINS. 36
MCGMOWFiehorrisgiortrcaakpueeelnnpdlddeil/cdaPC.nelBecaoRS.okynetueemos..dan.ei...nsSD...teob....nr.ei...s..... .. . .. ....
36
54
62
66
70
70
76
IV DISCUSSION AND INTERPRETATION . . 77
CLSFIIiouunnmmtntthmpceraiotracnrisseyoiinntttaeePlr.ocCCD.uooeIrmmsn.eppctmaaree.rrirniipptsst.rooiennotssnaastnido..nU..stil.i.zation ...
77
81
83
104
108
113
REFERENCES CITED. . .
APPENDIX I.....
118
124
iii
LIST OF TABLES'
1. Soil test results ..... 22
2. Metric and provenience data on selected chipped stone artifact
catagories. . . . . . . .. .... 44
3~ Distribution of lithic debitage from 34Ln-76. 52
4. Metric and provenience pdta on ground/pecked stone artifacts. 59
5. Distribution of unmodified sandstone excluding features. 61
6. Metric and provenience data on ceramic artifacts. . . 64
7. Metric and provenience data on worked bone artifacts. 67
8. Distribution of bone debris 71
9. Percentages of identified bone by count and weight. 73
10. Distribution of flotation materials from 34Ln-76. . 75
11. Vertical distribution of non-local lithic debitage. 78
12. Horizontal distribution of selected artifact catagories . 96
13. Distribution of selected artifact catagories in re-examined 1981
test squares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Area map showing the location of Structure 4M and 34Ln-76. . 2
2. Contour map and excavation plan of 34Ln-76 ....
3. Schematic of bank profiles with soil descriptions ..
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9
13
15
16
17
19
20
Stratigraphic profi1es. N2-W3, N2-W4, N3-W4 and NI-WO
Stratigraphic profiles. N4-Wl, N4-W2. . . . . . . . . . .
Stratigraphic profiles. N5-WO, N5-W1, N5-W2 and N5-W3 •
Stratigraphic profiles. NI0-WO, N10-W1, NI0-W2 and NI0-W3 • .
Stratigraphic profiles. N20-Ell, N21-EI0 and N21-Ell. . . .
9. Distribution of features in the N5 Block between 20 em and 50 em 28
10. Distribution of features in the N5 Block between 60 em and 80 em 30
11. Distribution of features in the N21 Block. • 32
12. Chipped stone tools from 34Ln-76 . • . . . . 41
13. Chipped and ground/pecked stone implements •
14. Ground/pecked stone implements from 34Ln-76 ..
15. Ceramics and worked bone implements from 34Ln-76 .
48
57
69
. . . . . . . .
v
I
INTRODUCTION
Archaeological investigations at the Spring Creek site (34Ln-
·76) were conducted by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission during
a two-week period at the beginning of January, 1983. A second period
of investigation was conducted during April of the same year.
The Spring Creek site lies partially within the flood pool
of Impoundment 4M of the Robinson Creek Watershed in Lincoln County,
Oklahoma. The impoundment, to be constructed by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, will be a multipurpose
structure providing a municipal water supply and recreation area
for the City of Prague as well as floodwater retardation.
As a result of earlier investigations by the Oklahoma Conservation
Commission, the Spring Creek site (34Ln-76) was determined eligible
for the National Register of Historic Places and included in the
Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory. A mitigation program aimed at clarifying
a number of unanswered questions concerning the nature of the occupations
at the Spring Creek site was deemed necessary to reduce the adverse
effects of the impoundment (Wallis 1983:118-126).
PROJECT LOCALE
The Spring Creek site lies within the drainage of Sand Creek,
a small tributary of Robinson Creek in far southeastern Lincoln
County, Oklahoma. Sand Creek, also known as Spring Creek (Wallis
1983:1), joins Robinson Creek approximately 3.8 km (2.4 mi.) northwest
of the site. Robinson Creek in turn joins the Deep Fork River roughly
8.9 km (5.5 mi.) further to the northeast.
The area lies near the boundary of the Central Redbed Plains
and Eastern Sandstone Cuesta Plains geomorphic provinces. The former
is characterized by 1I...red Permian shales and sandstones forming
gently rolling hills and broad plains ...11while the latter is marked
by IIwestdipping Pennsylvanian sandstones forming cuestas that over
look broad shale plainsll (Curtis and Ham 1972). Soils in the immediate
2
(j .. /
N
OKLAHOMA
o mile
o kilometer
Figure 1. Area map showing the locations at Structure 4 M and 34Ln76.
3
area belong to the Port-Pul aski or Darne ll-Stephenvi 11e 'associations.
The loamy sons of the Port-Pulaski association are deep and level
or nearly level, occurring along the flood plains of streams (Williams
and Bartolina 1970:4). The Darnell-Stephenville soils are shallow
to deep loamy soils that form on gentle to steep slopes over sandstone
on forested uplands (Wil~iams and Bartolina 1970:5).
The region has a warm-temperate continental climate. Summers
are long and hot while winters are generally mild with only a few
short periods of very cold temperatures and snow. The growing season
is approximately 215 days. Annual precipitation is roughly 37 in.
with most occurring in spring and early summer.
The project area falls within the central portion of the Oak-
Hickory Savannah (Bruner 1931: 142-147) or Cross Timbers (Gray and
Galloway 1959:29-31) biotic regions. Scrubby woodlands dominated
by oaks (Quercus mariZandica and Quercus steZZata) and hickory (Carya
buckZeyi) alternate with localized mixed grass prairies. Fitch
(1900:633) described the dominant vegetation in the adjacent
townships to the south and east of the project area. To the south,
he described the area as "...well timbered with post oak, ash and
hickory". To the east, he noted that "Oak is the principle timber
but is small and valuable only as fuel".
The faunal assemblage matches that of most of the Cross Timbers
region. It is comprised of a mixture of Eastern Woodland and Plains
species. Various species are distributed throughout the vegetational
zones despite the preference of some species for specific settings
(Drass 1979).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
Several archaeological projects, most concerned with Soil
Conservation Service projects, have been conducted in Lincoln
County. These include surveys of the Kickapoo Nations and Robinson
Creek Watersheds (Cheek, Cheek and Duncan 1974; Bobalik 1976), the
Salt Camp Creek Watershed (Barr 1963; McCormick 1977), Quapaw Creek
Watershed (Wallis 1977) and Dry Creek Watershed (Hughes and Hughes
1983). Follow up surveys and test excavations were also conducted
in the Kickapoo Nations Watershed (Lintz 1982) and Impoundment 4M
in the Robinson Creek Watershed (Wallis 1981; 1983).
4
Within the Robinson Creek Watershed, 14 sites have been reported.
Eight of these were recorded during the original survey. They include
three prehistoric lithic scatters, three historic house or activity
areas and two sites with evidence of both prehistoric and historic
occupations. Six additional sites were located during the resurvey
of Impoundment 4M. Two sites are late historic farmsteads, two have
occupations dating to the Woodland period or later, one appears to
have a late Archaic or Woodland occupation and one is a prehistoric
lithic scatter of undetermined age.
Further testing was conducted at three sites, 34Ln-18, 34Ln-
76 and 34Ln-78, in Impoundment 4M. Both historic and prehistoric
occupations were noted at 34Ln-18. The prehistoric occupation is
thought to be a small temporary camp dating from the Woodland period
or later. The historic occupation consists of the remains of a
cellar filled with debris. It is believed to post date statehood
(Wallis 1983:172). Testing at 34Ln-78 produced evidence suggesting
a brief and rather limited prehistoric occupation, possibly a cobble
workshop locality. Evidence of an ephemeral historic occupation
was noted from one portion of the site as well.
The greatest portion of the testing program was spent at the
Spring Creek site, 34Ln-76. Materials recovered from the excavations
along with a series of radiocarbon dates suggest at least two
occupations. One occupation apparently occurred during the late
Woodland while a later, less intense occupation took place during
the late Prehistoric or Village period.
Although a number of studies have been conducted in the Robinson
Creek Watershed and its immediate vicinity, the cultural sequence
for this area, indeed the Cross Timbers as a whole, is still rather
sketchy and poorly documented. It is necessary to draw on sequences
for surrounding areas. The subject has been discussed by several
authors (Cheek, Cheek and Duncan 1974:18-28; Drass 1979:12-16; Hughes
and Hughes 1983:6-14; Lintz 1982:17-27; Wallis 1981:10; 1983:5-8).
The brief summary that follows draws heavily from these discussions.
5
PALEO-INDIAN PERIOD
The earliest occupations in Oklahoma have been assigned to
the Paleo-Indian period (ca. 10,000 B.C.-8,000 B.C.). They represent
small, migratory bands of hunters exploiting now extinct Pleistocene
fauna such as mammoth and bison. The bulk of our knowledge of this
.period in Oklahoma comes from three sites, Domebo (Leonhardy 1966),
Perry Ranch (Saunders and Penman 1979) and Cooperton (Anderson 1975),
in the western half of the state. Although no sites from this period
have been reported in central Oklahoma, occasional surface discoveries
of the distinctive fluted and lanceolate points in Lincoln, Seminole,
Coal, Pottawatomie, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties (Drass 1979:15)
suggest the presence of these early hunters.
ARCHAIC PERIOD
Intensification and an increase in the efficiency of hunting
and gathering strategies mark the Archaic period (ca. 8,000 B.C.-
A.D. 1). There appears to be a shift towards the exploitation of
a wider variety of smaller game and plant resources. Sites in central
Oklahoma tend to be small camps or special activity localities. The
artifact assemblage increases in variety through time. It is dominated
by large or medium size dart points along with scrapers, bifaces,
grinding slabs and manos. Other items including worked bone and
fine ground stone such as boatstones and gorgets appear less frequently.
Although many sites have been assigned to the Archaic period, it
is not well understood as there is considerable regional variability.
Regional manifestations are recognized in the Grove I and Grove II
foci of northeast Oklahoma (Purrington 1971) the Wister phase (Bell
1980; Galm and Flynn 1978) in the southeast and the Summers complex
in the western portion of the state (Leonhardy 1966a).
WOODLAND PERIOD
During the Woodland period (ca. A.D. 1 - A.D. 800) in northern
and central Oklahoma, new influences seem to spread from Kansas and
Missouri. These are marked by the appearance of cordmarked and sand
6
tempered plain ware ceramics in central Oklahoma and zoned and stamped
wares in the northeastern portion of the state. Small corner notched
arrowpoints enter the artifact inventory, often preceeding pottery.
Horticulture was also introduced as indicated by the presence of
maize at the Pruitt site (Barr 1966). This period is represented
in south central Oklahoma by the Brewer (Duffield 1953) and Pruitt
.(Barr 1966) sites. In north central Oklahoma, Woodland occupations
are recognized at the Hammons (Young 1977), Von Elm (Hartley 1974)
and Vickery (Rohrbaugh 1974) sites in the Kaw Lake area. The Delaware
A focus (Purrington 1971) has been assigned to the Woodland period
in northeastern Oklahoma.
To the southeast, new ideas and influences spreading to Oklahoma
from the Gulf States have been described as the Trans-Mississippi
South Tradition by Schambach (1970). This influence added thick
plainware pottery and, later, small corner notched arrowpoints to
the existing Archaic complex. Although little evidence of cultigens
has been recovered in southeast Oklahoma, it is possible the cultivation
of squash, beans and perhaps maize was introduced during this period.
Exploitation of a wide variety of resources continues along with
a trend toward sedentation in settlement patterns. In Oklahoma,
this period is represented by the Fourche Maline phase (Bell 1980;
Galm and Flynn 1978).
VILLAGE PERIOD
This period (ca. A.D. 800 - A.D. 1500) saw the spread of
sedentary or semi-sedentary horticulturalists throughout Oklahoma.
To the east, in the Arkansas River basin, it is marked by the
development and increased reliance on agriculture, population growth
and a settlement pattern of small farmsteads and hamlets surrounding
ceremonial centers. Three phases, Harlan, Spiro and Fort Coffee
(Brown, Bell and Wyckoff 1978) are recognized, marking the development
and eventual decline of this pattern and its relation to the Caddoan
area to the east and south.
?
In western Oklahoma, the Plains Village complex is represented
by the Custer and Washita River phases. Sites assigned to these
phases are scattered along the Washita and Canadian rivers. Both
show close affinities to the preceeding Plains Woodland. It has
been suggested that they represent a single tradition of semi-sedentary
horticulturalists (Hofman 1975). The subsistence pattern
suggests sedentary occupation of villages or hamlets during the
seasons of planting and harvest and a more transient hunting and
gathering existence at other times of the year.
HISTORIC PERIOD
The historic period includes roughly the last 400 years. Lintz
(1982:20) has divided this period into four subperiods to facilitate
discussion. The first of these is the Exploration and Trade subperiod
(1541-1803). This encompasses the earliest European contact and
the establishment of French dominance in trade with the Wichita,
Caddo and Osage up to the acquisition of the region by the United
States. During the Early Indian Removal subperiod (1803-1865) the
Robinson Creek Watershed was part of the land obtained from the Osage
for the relocation of the Creek Nation. During the Late Indian Removal
subperiod (1865-1891), the Creek Nation, due to its support of the
Confederacy in the Civil War, was forced to cede the western portion
of its territory. In 1867, the Sac and Fox Indians were moved into
a portion of this area between the Cimarron and North Canadian Rivers.
The Robinson Creek drainage lies within this area. In 1889 the
Unassigned Lands to the west were opened for non-Indian settlement
through the Springer Amendment. In the same year, the Indian
Appropriation Bill called for Indian groups to accept individual
allotments and sell surplus land to the United States government.
Sac and Fox lands were opened by land runs in 1891. The Euro-American
Settlement subperiod (1891-present) includes the opening of the area
to non-Indian settlement, the establishment of Oklahoma Territory
by the Organic Act of 1890, the establishment of the communities
of Prague and Wilzetta by Czech and German immigrants and the modern
development of Lincoln County.
I I
EXCAVATION PROGRAM
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
The Spring Creek site was initially located during the 1981
resurvey of the impact area and land within the purchase limit of
multipurpose structure 4M. It was then recommended for testing to
determine its eligibility for the National Register of Historic
Places on the basis of its topographic setting and the apparent
depth of cultural deposits (Wallis 1981).
Test excavations were conducted in late summer of 1981 (Wallis
1983). Thirteen 1 m x 1 m test squares were excavated in arbitrary
10 cm levels. Twelve of these were tied into a grid oriented to
magnetic north and laid over the main portion of the site. One test
unit was placed on top of the ridge just north of the main site area
(Figure 2 ).
As a result of the testing program, the Spring Creek site was
determined eligible for nomination to the National Register of
Historic Places because "...it contains in situ deposits and
features representing two time periods not well documented for the
Cross Timbers region" (Wallis 1983:210). The site was thought to
have the potential to provide the data on activities and movement
during the late Woodland and the transition to the Plains Village
period (Wallis 1983:210).
Testing indicated that cultural deposits extended to as much
as one meter in depth in portions of the site. A number of sandstone
features were noted between 30 cm and 70 cm below the surface. These
ranged from tight, readily defined clusters to larger, more dispersed
zones with greater quantities of sandstone. Increased quantities
of baked clay suggested the possibility of a structure in the
southwestern portion of the site. No postholes or evidence of
living surfaces were located, however.
N
r-; o•..
o
99__;;~~~~~~~~~
:95:-=-------------
95'-"'~
96 97
98
o
Contour Interval - 1 meter
20I
10
meters
o Mortar
o 1981 Excavation
• 1983 Excavation
a!I 1981 Excavation reopened
in 1983
••• Mapping datum .m Sandstone outcrop
~ Filled creek channel
9
Figure 2. Contour map and excavation plan at 34Ln-76.
10
Although cultural debris was not overly plentiful, it was
quite varied, indicating a wide range of activities. The presence
of non-local lithic materials suggested contact with a large portion
of the Cross Timbers and neighboring areas either through travel
or trade.
On the basis of a series of radiocarbon dates, superimposed
sandstone features and cultural debris, Wallis (1983:115), suggested
that two components were represented at the Spring Creek site. A
Plains Village occupation (Component 1) was posited, based on
radiocarbon dates of A.D. l300±70 (Beta-4408) and A.D. l240±60
(Beta-3404, C-13 adjusted) and the distribution of cultural
materials, especially large and small points. A Plains Woodland
occupation (Component 2) was also suggested again based on distribution
of material and radiocarbon dates of A.D. 870±60 (Beta-3405 and Beta-
4615, C-13 adjusted) and A.D. 830±70 (Beta-46l6, C-13 adjusted).
Separation of the two components was difficult as most of the
"diagnosti c" materi a1s might be found in either context. Additi ona 11y,
all of the radiocarbon dates were obtained from samples recovered
between 40 cm and 70 cm below surface.
Wallis (1983:117) noted that the Plains Woodland occupation
(Component 2) was either more intense or took place over a longer
span of time than the Plains Village occupation (Component 1). A
relative dearth of small points suggestive of hunting and a greater
number of tools associated with processing such as large bifaces,
ground/pecked stone and modified flakes suggested the use of the
site as a processing station. The presence of charred nutshells
suggested the processing of vegetal resources. The greater number
of small points associated with the Plains Village occupation suggested
the site later served as a hunting as well as a vegetal processing
station.
PROJECT GOALS AND EXCAVATION STRATEGIES
Investigations at the Spring Creek site were intended to fulfill
the mitigation program developed from the results of the 1981 testing
program (Wallis 1983:118-126). In general, they were aimed at clarifying
the temporal framework of these occupations and, hopefully, determining
11
their position in the exploitation of the Cross Timbers region during
the late Woodland and Plains Village periods. This program called
for the investigation of a number of questions not adequately answered
by testing. Specifically, the program was intended to:
1) confirm the presence of and, if possible, separate the two components
suggested by the radiocarbon dates and superposition of the sandstone
features;
2) determine the size, morphology and function of the sandstone
features and their relation to each of the components;
3) establish the presence of structures suggested by the increased
quantities of baked clay in the southern portion of the site;
4) determine if non-local lithic materials suggest travel to lithic
sources or the establishment of trade networks; and
5) establish or refute the presence of a third component suggested
by a slight increase in flakes below 80 cm.
Sixteen 1 m x 1 m squares in four blocks of contiguous units
were excavated in the southern and eastern portions of the site
designated in the mitigation plan as the focus of study (Wallis
1983:120). All excavations were tied into the grid previously
established for the testing program. In keeping with this, the
number of each square was determined by its northeast stake. Thus,
the northeast corner of square N10-Wl was 10 m north and 1 m west
of the 0-0 stake at the southern edge of the site. Each square was
excavated in arbitrary 10 cm levels and the excavated material
screened through! inch hardware cloth. The locations of the
excavation units were chosen in an effort to maximize the possibility
of answering the problems listed above. Blocks of contiguous squares
were excavated to allow examination of broader areas. This, it was
hoped, would facilitate delineation of features, recognition of
living surfaces, and definition of cultural strata in the excavation
profile.
In addition to the new excavation units, two previously excavated
squares N10-0 and N1-0, were reopened. This was done to allow the
comparison of their stratigraphic profiles with those of the current
excavation. Two 10 cm levels were excavated from the bottom of N1-0
to examine the base and underlying stratum of the cultural deposit.
12
Stratigraphic profiles from each block of excavation units were
examined and recorded. A vertical cut was made in the creek bank
at the southern edge of the site to examine the natural as well as
the cultural stratigraphy. Soil samples were collected from each
of the soil horizons in the creek bank profile and from the three
major cultural strata in N2-W3. These were submitted for chemical
and mechanical analysis. Two liter soil samples were collected from
each 10 cm level in N4-W2. These were returned to the laboratory
for flotation.
STRATIGRAPHY
Natural Stratigraphy
Soils in the vicinity of the Spring Creek site are Darnell-
Stephenville fine sandy loams on the hill slopes and Pulaski, fine
sandy loams on the valley floor across the creek from the site. The
Darnell-Stephenville association includes shallow to moderately deep
loamy soils, formed from weathered sandstone, that generally occupy
rough areas of timbered uplands. They occur on gentle to strong
slopes (Williams and Bartolina 1970:12, 22). Pulaski fine sandy loam
is a deep, reddish brown soil formed in the alluvium of the floodplains
of small streams that drain areas of Darnell-Stephenville soils
(Williams and Bartolina 1970:20).
The soil profile exposed in the creek bank at the southern end
of the site (Figure 3 ) doesn't exactly match the profiles of either
of the soils described above. It is deeper than the profiles described
for Darnell and Stephenville soils and much more complex and mature
than that described for Pulaski fine sandy loam. It most closely
resembles the Stephenville portion of the Darnell-Stephenville
association. Much of the difference· can be attributed to the
position of the profile near the base of the slope and the edge of
the alluvium from the adjacent stream. Human activity has exaggerated
the A horizons over what might be expected from a completely natural
profile, accounting for further differences. Granting the human
modification of the A horizons, the bulk of the profile is thought
A 11
A12
AB
B1
B2
TIC
mB
All 0-15 cm
A21
A12 15-51 em
13
Brown-dark brown (7.5YR 4/2 moist, 7.5 YR 5/2 dry); sandy
loam; structure1ess; very soft, very friable, non-sticky,
non-plastic; common to many fine roots; few tubular pores;
very strongly acid (pH 5.0); clear, wavy boundary.
A21 51-84 cm
Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2 moist), reddish gray (5YR
5/2 dry); loamy sand; very weak, medium crumb; very soft,
very friable, non-sticky, non-plastic; few very fine to
medium roots; few very fine vesicular pores; angular
course sandstone present; slightly acid (pH 6.2); clear,
wavy boundary.
AB 84-95 cm
Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/4 moist), light brown
(7.5YR 6/4 dry); loamy sand; structure1ess; loose, loose,
non-sticky, non-plastic; few very fine to coarse roots;
few very fine to fine tubular pores; slightly acid (pH
6.3); clear, wavy boundary.
Yellowish red (5YR 4/6 moist), light reddish brown (5YR
6/4 dry); sandy loam; structure1ess; slightly hard, very
friable, slightly sticky, non-plastic; few microfine to
medium roots; common very fine to fine tubular pores;
few small pebbles; slightly acid (pH 6.3); clear, wavy
boundary.
B1 95-103 em Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy clay loam;
weak, medium crumb; hard, friable, slightly sticky, non-plastic;
few microfine to fine roots; few very fine tubular
pores; slightly acid (pH 6.1); clear, wavy boundary.
Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy clay loam;
moderate medium to coarse subangu1ar blocky; hard, friable,
sticky, plastic; few microfine to fine roots; common fine
tubular and vesicular pores; few to common decomposed
sandstone fragments and hematite concretions; medium acid
(pH 6.0); gradual wavy boundary.
Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy loam (?);
structure1ess; slightly hard, very friable, non-sticky,
non-plastic; few microfine to fine roots; few very fine
tubular pores; few to common decomposed sandstone
fragments; a 1ense of waterworn pebbles 2-3 cm thick
at 243 cm; slightly acid (pH 6.2); abrupt smooth
boundary.
B2 103-196 cm
Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy clay loam;
moderate, coarse blocky; hard, firm, sticky, plastic;
few very fine to fine roots; drying cracks filled with
light colored sand visible in plan view.
lIe 196-245 cm
Figure 3. Schematic of bank profiles with soil descriptions.
I lIB 245- em
14
to represent a natural developmental sequence. Descriptions and
the results of mechanical and chemical analyses of the soil horizons
within the profile are provided in Table 1 and Figure 3
Cultural Stratigraphy
Five culture bearing and one non-cultural strata were noted in
the excavations of the Spring Creek site. The five culture bearing
strata reflect further cultural modifications of the soil horizons
described for the creek bank profile. They are based on slight
changes in color, texture and cultural content. Strata I-III appear
to be roughly equivalent to the Al horizons. Strata IV and V may
equate with the A2 and AB horizons while Stratum VI appears to be
similar to the Bl and B2 horizons. Descriptions of the strata are
provided below. Color notations refer to the Munsell Soil Color
Charts (1973) and are taken from moist samples.
Stratum I
This is a very dark grayish brown (lOYR 3/2), structureless loamy
sand with many light brown (7.5YR 6/4) mottles. Faint horizontal
bedding is visible in some areas. Many fine to small roots and
cultural debris are scattered throughout. This stratum is not
visible in all squares. It is most apparent in squares N5-WO and
N5-Wl where it varies from 5-12 cm in depth. Even here the boundary
with Stratum II is not always distinguishable as this deposit is
very similar to Stratum II. The mottling and bedding suggest
disturbance and redeposition. It is possible that this stratum
represents colluviation or local areas of slope wash where portions
of Stratum II have been redeposited downslope. Where visible, there
is an abrupt, wavy boundary \~ith Stratum II.
SOUTH WALL
N2W3
0 0
N
1 0
0
0 o -.:J 0
0 e.
7 .'J
WEST WALL
N3W4
NORTH WALL
N1WO
~.>.{ •• I 10YR3/2. 7.5YR6/4 III
Disturbed area
t!i2] ][ 10YR3/2 e Krotovina g ]I[ 10YR3/2 ~ Rocks
I-':~I"~i!lY 10YR3/2.5YR4/6 ~ Unexcavated m... s: 7.5YR6/4. 5YR5/6
0 20 40 0 I
- - YI 2.5YR5/8 em
Figure 4. Stratigraphic profiles. N2-W3, N2-W4, N3-W4, and N1-WO.
16
EAST WALL N4Wl
EAST WALL N4W2
0 0
N
~ ~
]I. 10YR3/2
1
Roots }~~?~)
[!] Rocks "~:;~N 10YR3/2, 5YR4/6 0
~ D 0
Krotovina .'. y 7.5YR6/4, 5YR5/6 ", 0 o -.:J 0
Iill :n: 10YR3/2 ~ Unexcavated
~
0 20 40 em 0
Figure 5. Stratigraphic profiles. N4-W 1. N4-W2.
• 'I t 1
SOUTH WALL
N5W3
T 10YR3/2. 7.5YR6/4
n 10YR3/2
0 0
0
0
0 O~ 0
0 r:
IZZI
~ m 10YR3/2
N10YR3/2. 5YR4/6
r-:::'!l ~
~
~
~
y 7.5YR6/4, 5YR5/6
Krotovina
Rocks
Unexcavated
o 20 40
em
Figure 6. Stratigraphic profiles. NS-WO. NS-W 1. NS-W2. and NS-W3.
18
Stratum II
Stratum II is a very dark grayish brown (lOYR 3/2) loamy sand
18-40 cm thick. It is overlain by Stratum I in some parts of the
southern portion of the site but is the uppermost deposit in most
.of the excavation units. Some mottling is present but not so prevalent
as in Stratum I. Fine to large roots are common throughout the stratum
as are krotovina. Sandstone cobbles and fragments are variable in
number but generally common. A few charcoal flecks are scattered
through the deposit. Cultural material is common but not abundant.
There is a gradual, wavy boundary with Stratum III.
Stratum III
Stratum III is a very dark brown (lOYR 2/2) to very dark grayish
brown (lOYR 3/2) sandy loam 18-48 cm thick. Mottling, although
present is less abundant than in Strata I and II. There are many
small to large roots and krotovina are common. Sandstone fragments
are abundant as are charcoal flecks. Cultural material is generally
most abundant in the stratum. There is a clear to gradual, wavy
boundary with Stratum IV.
Stratum IV
This seems to be a transitional zone, from 16-40 cm thick, between
Strata III and V. It is a dark brown (lOYR 3/3) to very dark grayish
brown (lOYR 3/2) loamy sand with many large and small mottles ranging
in color from yellowish red (5YR 4/6) to brown (lOYR 4/3). Small
to very large roots are common as are krotovina. Sandstone and
charcoal flecks decline in number and cultural material declines
markedly with depth. There is a clear to gradual boundary with
Stratum V.
NORTH WALL
N10W3 N10W2
I%d;r!l :n 10YR3/2
~~iqi.~ ]I[ 10YR2/2
IJI!.N 10YR3/3. 10YR4/3
EAST WALL
N10WO
0 0
N
1 0
0
0 o iiiiiJ> 0
0 e:
1£ 7.5YR5/4
Sandstone
Krotovina
Unexcavated
o 20 40
em
Figure 7. Stratigraphic profiles. N10-WO, N10-W1, N10-W2, and N10-W3.
NORTH WALL
N21E10 EAST WALL
N21E11 N21E11
• Rocks 0 0
N a Roots
E2J II 10YR3/2 0 ij}
0 ill 10YR212 0
[ill III 10YR3/3, 7.SYR4/4 0 20 40 0 O~ 0
bJ em
J[ 7.SYR4/4, 5YRS/4 e: ~ Krotovina 0
IZ2] Unexcavated
Figure 8. Stratigraphic profiles. N20-E 11, N21-E 10, and N21 E 11.
21
Stratum V
This is a mottled, structureless loamy sand roughly 12-50+ cm
thick. Mottles range in color from dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) to yellowish
red (5YR 5/6) although brown (7.5YR 5/4) is most common. Small to
.large roots vary in frequency across the site but are generally
common. Krotovina are also common but decline in number with depth.
Sandstone fragments are greatly reduced in number. Cultural material
is quite scarce or absent. This is thought to be the basal stratum
for the cultural deposits. Most of the cultural material is thought
to be associated with krotovina. There is an abrupt to clear boundary
with Stratum VI.
Stratum VI
Stratum VI is a red (2.5YR 5/8) sandy clay loam with weak to
moderate, medium sized subangular blocky structure. There are a
few fine roots and some mottling from decomposed sandstone. No
cultural material was recovered from this stratum.
Chemical and Mechanical Analysis
To augment field observations, samples from each of the soil
horizons noted in the creek bank profile and strata II, III, and
IV, the major culture bearing strata, from N2-W3 were sent to the
O.S.U. Extension Service for chemical and mechanical analysis. The
samples, approximately 500 g each, were subjected to a series of
tests included in the Soil Test Report. This is a fertility test
and, therefore, deals with exchangeable or available salts or
nutrients. In thi~ case, the amounts of nitrates, phosphorous,
potassium, calcium and magnesium were reported. A mechanical
analysis to determine soil texture and tests to determine pH and
the percentage of organic matter were also run. The results of these
tests are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Soi 1 test resul ts
Exchangable Salts Texture
Np0p3m-N ppPm ppKm pCpam Mp9pm O.%M. pH Sa%nd Si% lt Cl%ay Class
Creek Bank Profile
All 0 28.0 35.5 2548.5 459.0 l.0 5.0 75 17 8 Sandy loam
A12 0 33.5 23.0 3634.5 445.5 0.5 6.2 79 15 6 Loamy sand
A2l 0 :~9.0 16.5 1828.5 291.5 0.1 6.3 81 11 8 Loamy sand
AB 0 38.0 36.5 1870.5 424.5 0.0 6.3 75 15 10 Sandy loam
Bl 0 52.5 76.0 3372.0 499.5 0.0 6. 1 75 5 20 Sandy clay loam
B2 0 48.0 136.0 4500.0 499.5 0.0 6.0 63 9 28 Sandy clay loam
IIC 0 39.0 91.5 4500.0 499.5 0.1 6.2 83(?) 28(?)
IIIB 0 29.5 133.0 4500.0 499.5 O. 1 6.2 65 9 26 Sandy clay loam
N2-W3
Stratum II
(Level 2 10-20 cm) 17.5 39.5 47.0 2476.5 466.5 l.1 5.0 87 9 4 Loamy sand
Stratum III
(Level 5 40-50 cm) 3.5 59.0 35.5 4237.0 431.5 l.0 5.7 63 31 6 Sandy loam
Stratum IV
(Level 7 60-70 cm) 3.0 76.0 41.0 4065.5 476.5 .8 6.2 85 7 8 Loamy sand
23
Soil chemistry~ especially levels of phosphorus~ calcium, organic
matter and pH, has been discussed as an indicator of anthropic soils
and changes therein (Cook and Heizer 1965; Galm 1978). Phosphorus,
in particular, has been discussed as an indicator useful for surveying
(Eidt 1973) and intrasite analysis (Ahler 1973). Examination of
the soil test results from the Spring Creek site have concentrated
on the above mentioned attributes, as the relation of human activity
to the presence of other nutrients in the soil is not well understood.
The mechanical or particle-size analysis was also examined as the
composition of sand, silt and clay may be altered by human activity.
In addition, soil texture, especially the amount of clay may directly
affect the retention or loss of nutrients within a deposit. Data
from the Soil Test Report are presented in Table 1.
The results from the creek bank profile resemble what might be
expected from a natural developmental sequence. In general, the
salts and fine fraction of the soil increase with depth with a peak
being reached in the Bl or B2 horizon. They remain steady or decrease
in the IIC horizon and increase or remain constant in the IIIB horizon.
The obvious exception to this trend is in the A21 horizon.
As might be expected in an elluvial horizon, the salts and fine
fraction have been leached out of the soil. Organic matter decreases
rapidly with depth in the Al and A2 horizons. Although the All horizon
is very strongly acid the rest of the profile is moderately to slightly
acid.
Strata II, III, and IV display some differences with the A
horizons of the creek bank profile in general and between themselves
specifically. Exchangeable salts and organic matter content are
all higher than in the equivalent deposits in the bank profile. This
may suggest more intense utilization of this portion of the site
or the result of the bank profile deposits being more exposed to
weathering.
Notable differences within the three strata are apparent in
phosphorus and calcium content and soil texture (Table 1).
Phosphorus increases markedly from Stratum II through Stratum IV
while calcium increases dramatically from Stratum II to III then
declines slightly in Stratum IV. The particle size analysis indicates
24
a sharp increase in silt from 9-31% in Stratum III. This is higher
than any soil horizon in the creek bank profile. The silt fraction
declines to 7% in Stratum IV. Less marked changes occur in the
levels of potassium and magnesium. These, however, decline slightly
in Stratum III and increase again in Stratum IV. Organic matter
remains relatively high throughout but declines slightly with depth.
The pH shifts, with depth, from strongly to slightly acid.
The results of the chemical and mechanical analyses appear to
support the separation of strata II, III, and IV. Although some
of the changes in soil chemistry and texture can be explained by
illuviation, the higher levels of phosphorus and calcium in Strata
III and IV and higher percentage of silt in Stratum III seem too
dramatic to be explained by natural processes alone. They strongly
suggest modification of the deposits by human activity. The
comparatively high levels of nutrients indicate more intense or
frequent use of the area for activities such as the processing of
plant and animal resources in strata III and IV than in Stratum II.
This is supported by the presence of larger quantities of bone,
charred nutshell and charcoal in these strata. The lower levels
of salts in Stratum II may indicate a shift to less frequent or
intensive utilization of the area or, perhaps, a change in the type
of activities conducted. Lesser quantities of cultural materials
within the stratum tend to support the former possibility.
The high silt fraction in Stratum III is an obvious anomaly.
It is possible that it might represent an episode of overbank flooding
and deposition of silt. This seems unlikely, however, as the nearby
creek bank profile contains no evidence of such an episode. This
anomaly may be due to increased deposition of cultural debris resulting
in a larger silt fraction or to some form of site maintenance, such
as leveling, which might increase the deposition of silt. Stratum
III in nearby squares is characterized by rock features and fragments
of baked clay which may suggest other features such as hearths or
a possible structure.

Michael B. Mayo
C4700.7 A669 No. 11 C. 1
Archaeological Investigations at the
SPRING CREEK SITE, (34Lry-76),
Lincoln County, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Archaeological Research Report No.11
1984
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT
THE SPRING CREEK SITE (34Ln-76)J
LINCOLN COUNTYJ OKLAHOMA
by
Michael B. Mayo
OKLAHOMA CONSERVATION COMMISSION
AAuRgCuHsAtE,OLO1G9I8C4AL RESEARCH REPORT NO. 11
2800 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73105
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT
THE SPRING CREEK SITE (34Ln-76)~
LINCOLN COUNTY~ OKLAHOMA
by
Michael B. Mayo
OKLAHOMA CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH REPORT NO. 11
August, 1984
2800 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73105
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project could not have been completed without the support and
assistance of a number of individuals. R.D. Atwater, the city manager
of Prague was most cooperative in providing necessary information and
assisted in obtaining access to the site. The field crew consisted of
Ken Ashworth, Carol Pontious, Crystal Roberts and Terry Steinacher during
the excavations in January. The April crew included Rusty Greaves, Donald
Motley and Vollie Motley. Further assistance in the field was provided
by Charles Wallis and Jane Dye. Don Wyckoff of the Oklahoma Archeological
Survey provided much needed assistance and guidance in the definition
and description of soil horizons at the site.
Processing of materials in the lab was conducted, in part, by Jane
Dye. Assistance in interpreting the chemical and mechanical analyses of
soil samples was provided by Don Wyckoff and Lois Albert. Ken Johnston
of the Oklahoma Geological Survey identified mineral tempering agents in
the pottery. The graphics were drawn by Mary Goodman and Peggy Flynn aided
in the processing of artifact photos. Various drafts of the report were
typed by Jane Dye, Lillian Muscanell, Janis Piper and Debbie Ludwick.
Helpful comments, suggestions and bits of information have been provided
by Shiela Bobalik-Savage, Richard Drass, Peggy Flynn, Chris Lintz, Larry
Neal, Rain Vehik, Charles Wallis and Don Wyckoff. A special note of
appreciation is extended to Charles Wallis who, besides helping in the
field, helped coordinate various aspects of the project and provided
considerable support and patience in the preparation of this report. To
all these people, my sincere thanks.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
LIST OF TABLES.
LIST OF FIGURES .
I INTRODUCTION.
iv
v
1
APrrcohjaeecotlogLioccaalle. Overview. 13
II EXCAVATION PROGRAM. 8
FPRSPaertraderoaitvjiotueciorcaeutrssgbroaGnpoIhanylv.seDsatta.iengsda.tiE.ox.ncsav.ation .S.t.r.ategies
8
10
12
25
27
III CULTURAL REMAINS. 36
MCGMOWFiehorrisgiortrcaakpueeelnnpdlddeil/cdaPC.nelBecaoRS.okynetueemos..dan.ei...nsSD...teob....nr.ei...s..... .. . .. ....
36
54
62
66
70
70
76
IV DISCUSSION AND INTERPRETATION . . 77
CLSFIIiouunnmmtntthmpceraiotracnrisseyoiinntttaeePlr.ocCCD.uooeIrmmsn.eppctmaaree.rrirniipptsst.rooiennotssnaastnido..nU..stil.i.zation ...
77
81
83
104
108
113
REFERENCES CITED. . .
APPENDIX I.....
118
124
iii
LIST OF TABLES'
1. Soil test results ..... 22
2. Metric and provenience data on selected chipped stone artifact
catagories. . . . . . . .. .... 44
3~ Distribution of lithic debitage from 34Ln-76. 52
4. Metric and provenience pdta on ground/pecked stone artifacts. 59
5. Distribution of unmodified sandstone excluding features. 61
6. Metric and provenience data on ceramic artifacts. . . 64
7. Metric and provenience data on worked bone artifacts. 67
8. Distribution of bone debris 71
9. Percentages of identified bone by count and weight. 73
10. Distribution of flotation materials from 34Ln-76. . 75
11. Vertical distribution of non-local lithic debitage. 78
12. Horizontal distribution of selected artifact catagories . 96
13. Distribution of selected artifact catagories in re-examined 1981
test squares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Area map showing the location of Structure 4M and 34Ln-76. . 2
2. Contour map and excavation plan of 34Ln-76 ....
3. Schematic of bank profiles with soil descriptions ..
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9
13
15
16
17
19
20
Stratigraphic profi1es. N2-W3, N2-W4, N3-W4 and NI-WO
Stratigraphic profiles. N4-Wl, N4-W2. . . . . . . . . . .
Stratigraphic profiles. N5-WO, N5-W1, N5-W2 and N5-W3 •
Stratigraphic profiles. NI0-WO, N10-W1, NI0-W2 and NI0-W3 • .
Stratigraphic profiles. N20-Ell, N21-EI0 and N21-Ell. . . .
9. Distribution of features in the N5 Block between 20 em and 50 em 28
10. Distribution of features in the N5 Block between 60 em and 80 em 30
11. Distribution of features in the N21 Block. • 32
12. Chipped stone tools from 34Ln-76 . • . . . . 41
13. Chipped and ground/pecked stone implements •
14. Ground/pecked stone implements from 34Ln-76 ..
15. Ceramics and worked bone implements from 34Ln-76 .
48
57
69
. . . . . . . .
v
I
INTRODUCTION
Archaeological investigations at the Spring Creek site (34Ln-
·76) were conducted by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission during
a two-week period at the beginning of January, 1983. A second period
of investigation was conducted during April of the same year.
The Spring Creek site lies partially within the flood pool
of Impoundment 4M of the Robinson Creek Watershed in Lincoln County,
Oklahoma. The impoundment, to be constructed by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, will be a multipurpose
structure providing a municipal water supply and recreation area
for the City of Prague as well as floodwater retardation.
As a result of earlier investigations by the Oklahoma Conservation
Commission, the Spring Creek site (34Ln-76) was determined eligible
for the National Register of Historic Places and included in the
Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory. A mitigation program aimed at clarifying
a number of unanswered questions concerning the nature of the occupations
at the Spring Creek site was deemed necessary to reduce the adverse
effects of the impoundment (Wallis 1983:118-126).
PROJECT LOCALE
The Spring Creek site lies within the drainage of Sand Creek,
a small tributary of Robinson Creek in far southeastern Lincoln
County, Oklahoma. Sand Creek, also known as Spring Creek (Wallis
1983:1), joins Robinson Creek approximately 3.8 km (2.4 mi.) northwest
of the site. Robinson Creek in turn joins the Deep Fork River roughly
8.9 km (5.5 mi.) further to the northeast.
The area lies near the boundary of the Central Redbed Plains
and Eastern Sandstone Cuesta Plains geomorphic provinces. The former
is characterized by 1I...red Permian shales and sandstones forming
gently rolling hills and broad plains ...11while the latter is marked
by IIwestdipping Pennsylvanian sandstones forming cuestas that over
look broad shale plainsll (Curtis and Ham 1972). Soils in the immediate
2
(j .. /
N
OKLAHOMA
o mile
o kilometer
Figure 1. Area map showing the locations at Structure 4 M and 34Ln76.
3
area belong to the Port-Pul aski or Darne ll-Stephenvi 11e 'associations.
The loamy sons of the Port-Pulaski association are deep and level
or nearly level, occurring along the flood plains of streams (Williams
and Bartolina 1970:4). The Darnell-Stephenville soils are shallow
to deep loamy soils that form on gentle to steep slopes over sandstone
on forested uplands (Wil~iams and Bartolina 1970:5).
The region has a warm-temperate continental climate. Summers
are long and hot while winters are generally mild with only a few
short periods of very cold temperatures and snow. The growing season
is approximately 215 days. Annual precipitation is roughly 37 in.
with most occurring in spring and early summer.
The project area falls within the central portion of the Oak-
Hickory Savannah (Bruner 1931: 142-147) or Cross Timbers (Gray and
Galloway 1959:29-31) biotic regions. Scrubby woodlands dominated
by oaks (Quercus mariZandica and Quercus steZZata) and hickory (Carya
buckZeyi) alternate with localized mixed grass prairies. Fitch
(1900:633) described the dominant vegetation in the adjacent
townships to the south and east of the project area. To the south,
he described the area as "...well timbered with post oak, ash and
hickory". To the east, he noted that "Oak is the principle timber
but is small and valuable only as fuel".
The faunal assemblage matches that of most of the Cross Timbers
region. It is comprised of a mixture of Eastern Woodland and Plains
species. Various species are distributed throughout the vegetational
zones despite the preference of some species for specific settings
(Drass 1979).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
Several archaeological projects, most concerned with Soil
Conservation Service projects, have been conducted in Lincoln
County. These include surveys of the Kickapoo Nations and Robinson
Creek Watersheds (Cheek, Cheek and Duncan 1974; Bobalik 1976), the
Salt Camp Creek Watershed (Barr 1963; McCormick 1977), Quapaw Creek
Watershed (Wallis 1977) and Dry Creek Watershed (Hughes and Hughes
1983). Follow up surveys and test excavations were also conducted
in the Kickapoo Nations Watershed (Lintz 1982) and Impoundment 4M
in the Robinson Creek Watershed (Wallis 1981; 1983).
4
Within the Robinson Creek Watershed, 14 sites have been reported.
Eight of these were recorded during the original survey. They include
three prehistoric lithic scatters, three historic house or activity
areas and two sites with evidence of both prehistoric and historic
occupations. Six additional sites were located during the resurvey
of Impoundment 4M. Two sites are late historic farmsteads, two have
occupations dating to the Woodland period or later, one appears to
have a late Archaic or Woodland occupation and one is a prehistoric
lithic scatter of undetermined age.
Further testing was conducted at three sites, 34Ln-18, 34Ln-
76 and 34Ln-78, in Impoundment 4M. Both historic and prehistoric
occupations were noted at 34Ln-18. The prehistoric occupation is
thought to be a small temporary camp dating from the Woodland period
or later. The historic occupation consists of the remains of a
cellar filled with debris. It is believed to post date statehood
(Wallis 1983:172). Testing at 34Ln-78 produced evidence suggesting
a brief and rather limited prehistoric occupation, possibly a cobble
workshop locality. Evidence of an ephemeral historic occupation
was noted from one portion of the site as well.
The greatest portion of the testing program was spent at the
Spring Creek site, 34Ln-76. Materials recovered from the excavations
along with a series of radiocarbon dates suggest at least two
occupations. One occupation apparently occurred during the late
Woodland while a later, less intense occupation took place during
the late Prehistoric or Village period.
Although a number of studies have been conducted in the Robinson
Creek Watershed and its immediate vicinity, the cultural sequence
for this area, indeed the Cross Timbers as a whole, is still rather
sketchy and poorly documented. It is necessary to draw on sequences
for surrounding areas. The subject has been discussed by several
authors (Cheek, Cheek and Duncan 1974:18-28; Drass 1979:12-16; Hughes
and Hughes 1983:6-14; Lintz 1982:17-27; Wallis 1981:10; 1983:5-8).
The brief summary that follows draws heavily from these discussions.
5
PALEO-INDIAN PERIOD
The earliest occupations in Oklahoma have been assigned to
the Paleo-Indian period (ca. 10,000 B.C.-8,000 B.C.). They represent
small, migratory bands of hunters exploiting now extinct Pleistocene
fauna such as mammoth and bison. The bulk of our knowledge of this
.period in Oklahoma comes from three sites, Domebo (Leonhardy 1966),
Perry Ranch (Saunders and Penman 1979) and Cooperton (Anderson 1975),
in the western half of the state. Although no sites from this period
have been reported in central Oklahoma, occasional surface discoveries
of the distinctive fluted and lanceolate points in Lincoln, Seminole,
Coal, Pottawatomie, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties (Drass 1979:15)
suggest the presence of these early hunters.
ARCHAIC PERIOD
Intensification and an increase in the efficiency of hunting
and gathering strategies mark the Archaic period (ca. 8,000 B.C.-
A.D. 1). There appears to be a shift towards the exploitation of
a wider variety of smaller game and plant resources. Sites in central
Oklahoma tend to be small camps or special activity localities. The
artifact assemblage increases in variety through time. It is dominated
by large or medium size dart points along with scrapers, bifaces,
grinding slabs and manos. Other items including worked bone and
fine ground stone such as boatstones and gorgets appear less frequently.
Although many sites have been assigned to the Archaic period, it
is not well understood as there is considerable regional variability.
Regional manifestations are recognized in the Grove I and Grove II
foci of northeast Oklahoma (Purrington 1971) the Wister phase (Bell
1980; Galm and Flynn 1978) in the southeast and the Summers complex
in the western portion of the state (Leonhardy 1966a).
WOODLAND PERIOD
During the Woodland period (ca. A.D. 1 - A.D. 800) in northern
and central Oklahoma, new influences seem to spread from Kansas and
Missouri. These are marked by the appearance of cordmarked and sand
6
tempered plain ware ceramics in central Oklahoma and zoned and stamped
wares in the northeastern portion of the state. Small corner notched
arrowpoints enter the artifact inventory, often preceeding pottery.
Horticulture was also introduced as indicated by the presence of
maize at the Pruitt site (Barr 1966). This period is represented
in south central Oklahoma by the Brewer (Duffield 1953) and Pruitt
.(Barr 1966) sites. In north central Oklahoma, Woodland occupations
are recognized at the Hammons (Young 1977), Von Elm (Hartley 1974)
and Vickery (Rohrbaugh 1974) sites in the Kaw Lake area. The Delaware
A focus (Purrington 1971) has been assigned to the Woodland period
in northeastern Oklahoma.
To the southeast, new ideas and influences spreading to Oklahoma
from the Gulf States have been described as the Trans-Mississippi
South Tradition by Schambach (1970). This influence added thick
plainware pottery and, later, small corner notched arrowpoints to
the existing Archaic complex. Although little evidence of cultigens
has been recovered in southeast Oklahoma, it is possible the cultivation
of squash, beans and perhaps maize was introduced during this period.
Exploitation of a wide variety of resources continues along with
a trend toward sedentation in settlement patterns. In Oklahoma,
this period is represented by the Fourche Maline phase (Bell 1980;
Galm and Flynn 1978).
VILLAGE PERIOD
This period (ca. A.D. 800 - A.D. 1500) saw the spread of
sedentary or semi-sedentary horticulturalists throughout Oklahoma.
To the east, in the Arkansas River basin, it is marked by the
development and increased reliance on agriculture, population growth
and a settlement pattern of small farmsteads and hamlets surrounding
ceremonial centers. Three phases, Harlan, Spiro and Fort Coffee
(Brown, Bell and Wyckoff 1978) are recognized, marking the development
and eventual decline of this pattern and its relation to the Caddoan
area to the east and south.
?
In western Oklahoma, the Plains Village complex is represented
by the Custer and Washita River phases. Sites assigned to these
phases are scattered along the Washita and Canadian rivers. Both
show close affinities to the preceeding Plains Woodland. It has
been suggested that they represent a single tradition of semi-sedentary
horticulturalists (Hofman 1975). The subsistence pattern
suggests sedentary occupation of villages or hamlets during the
seasons of planting and harvest and a more transient hunting and
gathering existence at other times of the year.
HISTORIC PERIOD
The historic period includes roughly the last 400 years. Lintz
(1982:20) has divided this period into four subperiods to facilitate
discussion. The first of these is the Exploration and Trade subperiod
(1541-1803). This encompasses the earliest European contact and
the establishment of French dominance in trade with the Wichita,
Caddo and Osage up to the acquisition of the region by the United
States. During the Early Indian Removal subperiod (1803-1865) the
Robinson Creek Watershed was part of the land obtained from the Osage
for the relocation of the Creek Nation. During the Late Indian Removal
subperiod (1865-1891), the Creek Nation, due to its support of the
Confederacy in the Civil War, was forced to cede the western portion
of its territory. In 1867, the Sac and Fox Indians were moved into
a portion of this area between the Cimarron and North Canadian Rivers.
The Robinson Creek drainage lies within this area. In 1889 the
Unassigned Lands to the west were opened for non-Indian settlement
through the Springer Amendment. In the same year, the Indian
Appropriation Bill called for Indian groups to accept individual
allotments and sell surplus land to the United States government.
Sac and Fox lands were opened by land runs in 1891. The Euro-American
Settlement subperiod (1891-present) includes the opening of the area
to non-Indian settlement, the establishment of Oklahoma Territory
by the Organic Act of 1890, the establishment of the communities
of Prague and Wilzetta by Czech and German immigrants and the modern
development of Lincoln County.
I I
EXCAVATION PROGRAM
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
The Spring Creek site was initially located during the 1981
resurvey of the impact area and land within the purchase limit of
multipurpose structure 4M. It was then recommended for testing to
determine its eligibility for the National Register of Historic
Places on the basis of its topographic setting and the apparent
depth of cultural deposits (Wallis 1981).
Test excavations were conducted in late summer of 1981 (Wallis
1983). Thirteen 1 m x 1 m test squares were excavated in arbitrary
10 cm levels. Twelve of these were tied into a grid oriented to
magnetic north and laid over the main portion of the site. One test
unit was placed on top of the ridge just north of the main site area
(Figure 2 ).
As a result of the testing program, the Spring Creek site was
determined eligible for nomination to the National Register of
Historic Places because "...it contains in situ deposits and
features representing two time periods not well documented for the
Cross Timbers region" (Wallis 1983:210). The site was thought to
have the potential to provide the data on activities and movement
during the late Woodland and the transition to the Plains Village
period (Wallis 1983:210).
Testing indicated that cultural deposits extended to as much
as one meter in depth in portions of the site. A number of sandstone
features were noted between 30 cm and 70 cm below the surface. These
ranged from tight, readily defined clusters to larger, more dispersed
zones with greater quantities of sandstone. Increased quantities
of baked clay suggested the possibility of a structure in the
southwestern portion of the site. No postholes or evidence of
living surfaces were located, however.
N
r-; o•..
o
99__;;~~~~~~~~~
:95:-=-------------
95'-"'~
96 97
98
o
Contour Interval - 1 meter
20I
10
meters
o Mortar
o 1981 Excavation
• 1983 Excavation
a!I 1981 Excavation reopened
in 1983
••• Mapping datum .m Sandstone outcrop
~ Filled creek channel
9
Figure 2. Contour map and excavation plan at 34Ln-76.
10
Although cultural debris was not overly plentiful, it was
quite varied, indicating a wide range of activities. The presence
of non-local lithic materials suggested contact with a large portion
of the Cross Timbers and neighboring areas either through travel
or trade.
On the basis of a series of radiocarbon dates, superimposed
sandstone features and cultural debris, Wallis (1983:115), suggested
that two components were represented at the Spring Creek site. A
Plains Village occupation (Component 1) was posited, based on
radiocarbon dates of A.D. l300±70 (Beta-4408) and A.D. l240±60
(Beta-3404, C-13 adjusted) and the distribution of cultural
materials, especially large and small points. A Plains Woodland
occupation (Component 2) was also suggested again based on distribution
of material and radiocarbon dates of A.D. 870±60 (Beta-3405 and Beta-
4615, C-13 adjusted) and A.D. 830±70 (Beta-46l6, C-13 adjusted).
Separation of the two components was difficult as most of the
"diagnosti c" materi a1s might be found in either context. Additi ona 11y,
all of the radiocarbon dates were obtained from samples recovered
between 40 cm and 70 cm below surface.
Wallis (1983:117) noted that the Plains Woodland occupation
(Component 2) was either more intense or took place over a longer
span of time than the Plains Village occupation (Component 1). A
relative dearth of small points suggestive of hunting and a greater
number of tools associated with processing such as large bifaces,
ground/pecked stone and modified flakes suggested the use of the
site as a processing station. The presence of charred nutshells
suggested the processing of vegetal resources. The greater number
of small points associated with the Plains Village occupation suggested
the site later served as a hunting as well as a vegetal processing
station.
PROJECT GOALS AND EXCAVATION STRATEGIES
Investigations at the Spring Creek site were intended to fulfill
the mitigation program developed from the results of the 1981 testing
program (Wallis 1983:118-126). In general, they were aimed at clarifying
the temporal framework of these occupations and, hopefully, determining
11
their position in the exploitation of the Cross Timbers region during
the late Woodland and Plains Village periods. This program called
for the investigation of a number of questions not adequately answered
by testing. Specifically, the program was intended to:
1) confirm the presence of and, if possible, separate the two components
suggested by the radiocarbon dates and superposition of the sandstone
features;
2) determine the size, morphology and function of the sandstone
features and their relation to each of the components;
3) establish the presence of structures suggested by the increased
quantities of baked clay in the southern portion of the site;
4) determine if non-local lithic materials suggest travel to lithic
sources or the establishment of trade networks; and
5) establish or refute the presence of a third component suggested
by a slight increase in flakes below 80 cm.
Sixteen 1 m x 1 m squares in four blocks of contiguous units
were excavated in the southern and eastern portions of the site
designated in the mitigation plan as the focus of study (Wallis
1983:120). All excavations were tied into the grid previously
established for the testing program. In keeping with this, the
number of each square was determined by its northeast stake. Thus,
the northeast corner of square N10-Wl was 10 m north and 1 m west
of the 0-0 stake at the southern edge of the site. Each square was
excavated in arbitrary 10 cm levels and the excavated material
screened through! inch hardware cloth. The locations of the
excavation units were chosen in an effort to maximize the possibility
of answering the problems listed above. Blocks of contiguous squares
were excavated to allow examination of broader areas. This, it was
hoped, would facilitate delineation of features, recognition of
living surfaces, and definition of cultural strata in the excavation
profile.
In addition to the new excavation units, two previously excavated
squares N10-0 and N1-0, were reopened. This was done to allow the
comparison of their stratigraphic profiles with those of the current
excavation. Two 10 cm levels were excavated from the bottom of N1-0
to examine the base and underlying stratum of the cultural deposit.
12
Stratigraphic profiles from each block of excavation units were
examined and recorded. A vertical cut was made in the creek bank
at the southern edge of the site to examine the natural as well as
the cultural stratigraphy. Soil samples were collected from each
of the soil horizons in the creek bank profile and from the three
major cultural strata in N2-W3. These were submitted for chemical
and mechanical analysis. Two liter soil samples were collected from
each 10 cm level in N4-W2. These were returned to the laboratory
for flotation.
STRATIGRAPHY
Natural Stratigraphy
Soils in the vicinity of the Spring Creek site are Darnell-
Stephenville fine sandy loams on the hill slopes and Pulaski, fine
sandy loams on the valley floor across the creek from the site. The
Darnell-Stephenville association includes shallow to moderately deep
loamy soils, formed from weathered sandstone, that generally occupy
rough areas of timbered uplands. They occur on gentle to strong
slopes (Williams and Bartolina 1970:12, 22). Pulaski fine sandy loam
is a deep, reddish brown soil formed in the alluvium of the floodplains
of small streams that drain areas of Darnell-Stephenville soils
(Williams and Bartolina 1970:20).
The soil profile exposed in the creek bank at the southern end
of the site (Figure 3 ) doesn't exactly match the profiles of either
of the soils described above. It is deeper than the profiles described
for Darnell and Stephenville soils and much more complex and mature
than that described for Pulaski fine sandy loam. It most closely
resembles the Stephenville portion of the Darnell-Stephenville
association. Much of the difference· can be attributed to the
position of the profile near the base of the slope and the edge of
the alluvium from the adjacent stream. Human activity has exaggerated
the A horizons over what might be expected from a completely natural
profile, accounting for further differences. Granting the human
modification of the A horizons, the bulk of the profile is thought
A 11
A12
AB
B1
B2
TIC
mB
All 0-15 cm
A21
A12 15-51 em
13
Brown-dark brown (7.5YR 4/2 moist, 7.5 YR 5/2 dry); sandy
loam; structure1ess; very soft, very friable, non-sticky,
non-plastic; common to many fine roots; few tubular pores;
very strongly acid (pH 5.0); clear, wavy boundary.
A21 51-84 cm
Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2 moist), reddish gray (5YR
5/2 dry); loamy sand; very weak, medium crumb; very soft,
very friable, non-sticky, non-plastic; few very fine to
medium roots; few very fine vesicular pores; angular
course sandstone present; slightly acid (pH 6.2); clear,
wavy boundary.
AB 84-95 cm
Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/4 moist), light brown
(7.5YR 6/4 dry); loamy sand; structure1ess; loose, loose,
non-sticky, non-plastic; few very fine to coarse roots;
few very fine to fine tubular pores; slightly acid (pH
6.3); clear, wavy boundary.
Yellowish red (5YR 4/6 moist), light reddish brown (5YR
6/4 dry); sandy loam; structure1ess; slightly hard, very
friable, slightly sticky, non-plastic; few microfine to
medium roots; common very fine to fine tubular pores;
few small pebbles; slightly acid (pH 6.3); clear, wavy
boundary.
B1 95-103 em Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy clay loam;
weak, medium crumb; hard, friable, slightly sticky, non-plastic;
few microfine to fine roots; few very fine tubular
pores; slightly acid (pH 6.1); clear, wavy boundary.
Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy clay loam;
moderate medium to coarse subangu1ar blocky; hard, friable,
sticky, plastic; few microfine to fine roots; common fine
tubular and vesicular pores; few to common decomposed
sandstone fragments and hematite concretions; medium acid
(pH 6.0); gradual wavy boundary.
Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy loam (?);
structure1ess; slightly hard, very friable, non-sticky,
non-plastic; few microfine to fine roots; few very fine
tubular pores; few to common decomposed sandstone
fragments; a 1ense of waterworn pebbles 2-3 cm thick
at 243 cm; slightly acid (pH 6.2); abrupt smooth
boundary.
B2 103-196 cm
Red (2.5YR 4/6 moist, 2.5YR 5/6 dry); sandy clay loam;
moderate, coarse blocky; hard, firm, sticky, plastic;
few very fine to fine roots; drying cracks filled with
light colored sand visible in plan view.
lIe 196-245 cm
Figure 3. Schematic of bank profiles with soil descriptions.
I lIB 245- em
14
to represent a natural developmental sequence. Descriptions and
the results of mechanical and chemical analyses of the soil horizons
within the profile are provided in Table 1 and Figure 3
Cultural Stratigraphy
Five culture bearing and one non-cultural strata were noted in
the excavations of the Spring Creek site. The five culture bearing
strata reflect further cultural modifications of the soil horizons
described for the creek bank profile. They are based on slight
changes in color, texture and cultural content. Strata I-III appear
to be roughly equivalent to the Al horizons. Strata IV and V may
equate with the A2 and AB horizons while Stratum VI appears to be
similar to the Bl and B2 horizons. Descriptions of the strata are
provided below. Color notations refer to the Munsell Soil Color
Charts (1973) and are taken from moist samples.
Stratum I
This is a very dark grayish brown (lOYR 3/2), structureless loamy
sand with many light brown (7.5YR 6/4) mottles. Faint horizontal
bedding is visible in some areas. Many fine to small roots and
cultural debris are scattered throughout. This stratum is not
visible in all squares. It is most apparent in squares N5-WO and
N5-Wl where it varies from 5-12 cm in depth. Even here the boundary
with Stratum II is not always distinguishable as this deposit is
very similar to Stratum II. The mottling and bedding suggest
disturbance and redeposition. It is possible that this stratum
represents colluviation or local areas of slope wash where portions
of Stratum II have been redeposited downslope. Where visible, there
is an abrupt, wavy boundary \~ith Stratum II.
SOUTH WALL
N2W3
0 0
N
1 0
0
0 o -.:J 0
0 e.
7 .'J
WEST WALL
N3W4
NORTH WALL
N1WO
~.>.{ •• I 10YR3/2. 7.5YR6/4 III
Disturbed area
t!i2] ][ 10YR3/2 e Krotovina g ]I[ 10YR3/2 ~ Rocks
I-':~I"~i!lY 10YR3/2.5YR4/6 ~ Unexcavated m... s: 7.5YR6/4. 5YR5/6
0 20 40 0 I
- - YI 2.5YR5/8 em
Figure 4. Stratigraphic profiles. N2-W3, N2-W4, N3-W4, and N1-WO.
16
EAST WALL N4Wl
EAST WALL N4W2
0 0
N
~ ~
]I. 10YR3/2
1
Roots }~~?~)
[!] Rocks "~:;~N 10YR3/2, 5YR4/6 0
~ D 0
Krotovina .'. y 7.5YR6/4, 5YR5/6 ", 0 o -.:J 0
Iill :n: 10YR3/2 ~ Unexcavated
~
0 20 40 em 0
Figure 5. Stratigraphic profiles. N4-W 1. N4-W2.
• 'I t 1
SOUTH WALL
N5W3
T 10YR3/2. 7.5YR6/4
n 10YR3/2
0 0
0
0
0 O~ 0
0 r:
IZZI
~ m 10YR3/2
N10YR3/2. 5YR4/6
r-:::'!l ~
~
~
~
y 7.5YR6/4, 5YR5/6
Krotovina
Rocks
Unexcavated
o 20 40
em
Figure 6. Stratigraphic profiles. NS-WO. NS-W 1. NS-W2. and NS-W3.
18
Stratum II
Stratum II is a very dark grayish brown (lOYR 3/2) loamy sand
18-40 cm thick. It is overlain by Stratum I in some parts of the
southern portion of the site but is the uppermost deposit in most
.of the excavation units. Some mottling is present but not so prevalent
as in Stratum I. Fine to large roots are common throughout the stratum
as are krotovina. Sandstone cobbles and fragments are variable in
number but generally common. A few charcoal flecks are scattered
through the deposit. Cultural material is common but not abundant.
There is a gradual, wavy boundary with Stratum III.
Stratum III
Stratum III is a very dark brown (lOYR 2/2) to very dark grayish
brown (lOYR 3/2) sandy loam 18-48 cm thick. Mottling, although
present is less abundant than in Strata I and II. There are many
small to large roots and krotovina are common. Sandstone fragments
are abundant as are charcoal flecks. Cultural material is generally
most abundant in the stratum. There is a clear to gradual, wavy
boundary with Stratum IV.
Stratum IV
This seems to be a transitional zone, from 16-40 cm thick, between
Strata III and V. It is a dark brown (lOYR 3/3) to very dark grayish
brown (lOYR 3/2) loamy sand with many large and small mottles ranging
in color from yellowish red (5YR 4/6) to brown (lOYR 4/3). Small
to very large roots are common as are krotovina. Sandstone and
charcoal flecks decline in number and cultural material declines
markedly with depth. There is a clear to gradual boundary with
Stratum V.
NORTH WALL
N10W3 N10W2
I%d;r!l :n 10YR3/2
~~iqi.~ ]I[ 10YR2/2
IJI!.N 10YR3/3. 10YR4/3
EAST WALL
N10WO
0 0
N
1 0
0
0 o iiiiiJ> 0
0 e:
1£ 7.5YR5/4
Sandstone
Krotovina
Unexcavated
o 20 40
em
Figure 7. Stratigraphic profiles. N10-WO, N10-W1, N10-W2, and N10-W3.
NORTH WALL
N21E10 EAST WALL
N21E11 N21E11
• Rocks 0 0
N a Roots
E2J II 10YR3/2 0 ij}
0 ill 10YR212 0
[ill III 10YR3/3, 7.SYR4/4 0 20 40 0 O~ 0
bJ em
J[ 7.SYR4/4, 5YRS/4 e: ~ Krotovina 0
IZ2] Unexcavated
Figure 8. Stratigraphic profiles. N20-E 11, N21-E 10, and N21 E 11.
21
Stratum V
This is a mottled, structureless loamy sand roughly 12-50+ cm
thick. Mottles range in color from dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) to yellowish
red (5YR 5/6) although brown (7.5YR 5/4) is most common. Small to
.large roots vary in frequency across the site but are generally
common. Krotovina are also common but decline in number with depth.
Sandstone fragments are greatly reduced in number. Cultural material
is quite scarce or absent. This is thought to be the basal stratum
for the cultural deposits. Most of the cultural material is thought
to be associated with krotovina. There is an abrupt to clear boundary
with Stratum VI.
Stratum VI
Stratum VI is a red (2.5YR 5/8) sandy clay loam with weak to
moderate, medium sized subangular blocky structure. There are a
few fine roots and some mottling from decomposed sandstone. No
cultural material was recovered from this stratum.
Chemical and Mechanical Analysis
To augment field observations, samples from each of the soil
horizons noted in the creek bank profile and strata II, III, and
IV, the major culture bearing strata, from N2-W3 were sent to the
O.S.U. Extension Service for chemical and mechanical analysis. The
samples, approximately 500 g each, were subjected to a series of
tests included in the Soil Test Report. This is a fertility test
and, therefore, deals with exchangeable or available salts or
nutrients. In thi~ case, the amounts of nitrates, phosphorous,
potassium, calcium and magnesium were reported. A mechanical
analysis to determine soil texture and tests to determine pH and
the percentage of organic matter were also run. The results of these
tests are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Soi 1 test resul ts
Exchangable Salts Texture
Np0p3m-N ppPm ppKm pCpam Mp9pm O.%M. pH Sa%nd Si% lt Cl%ay Class
Creek Bank Profile
All 0 28.0 35.5 2548.5 459.0 l.0 5.0 75 17 8 Sandy loam
A12 0 33.5 23.0 3634.5 445.5 0.5 6.2 79 15 6 Loamy sand
A2l 0 :~9.0 16.5 1828.5 291.5 0.1 6.3 81 11 8 Loamy sand
AB 0 38.0 36.5 1870.5 424.5 0.0 6.3 75 15 10 Sandy loam
Bl 0 52.5 76.0 3372.0 499.5 0.0 6. 1 75 5 20 Sandy clay loam
B2 0 48.0 136.0 4500.0 499.5 0.0 6.0 63 9 28 Sandy clay loam
IIC 0 39.0 91.5 4500.0 499.5 0.1 6.2 83(?) 28(?)
IIIB 0 29.5 133.0 4500.0 499.5 O. 1 6.2 65 9 26 Sandy clay loam
N2-W3
Stratum II
(Level 2 10-20 cm) 17.5 39.5 47.0 2476.5 466.5 l.1 5.0 87 9 4 Loamy sand
Stratum III
(Level 5 40-50 cm) 3.5 59.0 35.5 4237.0 431.5 l.0 5.7 63 31 6 Sandy loam
Stratum IV
(Level 7 60-70 cm) 3.0 76.0 41.0 4065.5 476.5 .8 6.2 85 7 8 Loamy sand
23
Soil chemistry~ especially levels of phosphorus~ calcium, organic
matter and pH, has been discussed as an indicator of anthropic soils
and changes therein (Cook and Heizer 1965; Galm 1978). Phosphorus,
in particular, has been discussed as an indicator useful for surveying
(Eidt 1973) and intrasite analysis (Ahler 1973). Examination of
the soil test results from the Spring Creek site have concentrated
on the above mentioned attributes, as the relation of human activity
to the presence of other nutrients in the soil is not well understood.
The mechanical or particle-size analysis was also examined as the
composition of sand, silt and clay may be altered by human activity.
In addition, soil texture, especially the amount of clay may directly
affect the retention or loss of nutrients within a deposit. Data
from the Soil Test Report are presented in Table 1.
The results from the creek bank profile resemble what might be
expected from a natural developmental sequence. In general, the
salts and fine fraction of the soil increase with depth with a peak
being reached in the Bl or B2 horizon. They remain steady or decrease
in the IIC horizon and increase or remain constant in the IIIB horizon.
The obvious exception to this trend is in the A21 horizon.
As might be expected in an elluvial horizon, the salts and fine
fraction have been leached out of the soil. Organic matter decreases
rapidly with depth in the Al and A2 horizons. Although the All horizon
is very strongly acid the rest of the profile is moderately to slightly
acid.
Strata II, III, and IV display some differences with the A
horizons of the creek bank profile in general and between themselves
specifically. Exchangeable salts and organic matter content are
all higher than in the equivalent deposits in the bank profile. This
may suggest more intense utilization of this portion of the site
or the result of the bank profile deposits being more exposed to
weathering.
Notable differences within the three strata are apparent in
phosphorus and calcium content and soil texture (Table 1).
Phosphorus increases markedly from Stratum II through Stratum IV
while calcium increases dramatically from Stratum II to III then
declines slightly in Stratum IV. The particle size analysis indicates
24
a sharp increase in silt from 9-31% in Stratum III. This is higher
than any soil horizon in the creek bank profile. The silt fraction
declines to 7% in Stratum IV. Less marked changes occur in the
levels of potassium and magnesium. These, however, decline slightly
in Stratum III and increase again in Stratum IV. Organic matter
remains relatively high throughout but declines slightly with depth.
The pH shifts, with depth, from strongly to slightly acid.
The results of the chemical and mechanical analyses appear to
support the separation of strata II, III, and IV. Although some
of the changes in soil chemistry and texture can be explained by
illuviation, the higher levels of phosphorus and calcium in Strata
III and IV and higher percentage of silt in Stratum III seem too
dramatic to be explained by natural processes alone. They strongly
suggest modification of the deposits by human activity. The
comparatively high levels of nutrients indicate more intense or
frequent use of the area for activities such as the processing of
plant and animal resources in strata III and IV than in Stratum II.
This is supported by the presence of larger quantities of bone,
charred nutshell and charcoal in these strata. The lower levels
of salts in Stratum II may indicate a shift to less frequent or
intensive utilization of the area or, perhaps, a change in the type
of activities conducted. Lesser quantities of cultural materials
within the stratum tend to support the former possibility.
The high silt fraction in Stratum III is an obvious anomaly.
It is possible that it might represent an episode of overbank flooding
and deposition of silt. This seems unlikely, however, as the nearby
creek bank profile contains no evidence of such an episode. This
anomaly may be due to increased deposition of cultural debris resulting
in a larger silt fraction or to some form of site maintenance, such
as leveling, which might increase the deposition of silt. Stratum
III in nearby squares is characterized by rock features and fragments
of baked clay which may suggest other features such as hearths or
a possible structure.